HackensackUMC Celebrates Memorial Day with Monument Dedication

In remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, Hackensack University Medical Center unveiled a Flags Monument in honor of Memorial Day. The solemn ceremony was conducted Thursday, May 21 in the HackensackUMC Main Lobby in military fashion by uniformed members of the HackensackUMC team.

“I am extremely grateful to all of our HackensackUMC veterans and active service members. This monument serves not only as a reminder of the sacrifices made, but also demonstrates the personal pride of our HackensackUMC veterans, in contributing to one of the finest medical centers in the United States,” said Robert C. Garrett, president and chief executive officer, Hackensack University Health Network.

The monument is permanent, composed of six angled flags displaying the five combat arms of the United States Military - Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard – and the POW/MIA flag. The Flag Monument base stand is four feet by four feet, with an “infantry blue” backboard, which contains the permanent placement of military unit “patches” worn by veterans who are presently employed by HackensackUMC. The monument is placed in the main lobby of HackensackUMC.

During the Memorial Day ceremony, roses were placed on this new monument by surviving World War II veteran, Gabby Noto in remembrance of the fallen during military conflicts of the past. Roses were also placed by Shirley Parello, a HackensackUMC nurse, whose son was killed recently while serving in the Marines, in remembrance of the fallen during present military conflicts. She also donated her son’s military patch for placement in the HackensackUMC Flags Monument.

Following Garrett’s keynote address, “Taps” was played to conclude the ceremony.

Photo: Celebrating Memorial Day at HackensackUMC, the Veteran’s Network dedicated a new Flags Monument. Pictured in front of the monument from left to right: Frank Maciel, U.S. Army; Dionne Dixon-Jeffrey, U.S. Army; Raymond Koonce, U.S. Army; Robert Rubin, U.S. Navy; Marcenia Cofield, U.S. Air Force; Robert C. Garrett; Alexis Michele Peine, U.S. Army; John Harley, U.S. Army; Dwayne Humes, U.S. Air Force; Gordon Huie, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force; and Ron Diez, U.S. Army.

About Hackensack University Medical Center

HackensackUMC, a nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. Founded in 1888 as the county’s first hospital, it is the flagship hospital of Hackensack University Health Network, one of the largest health networks in the state comprised of 1,250 beds, nearly 10,000 employees and 2,700 credentialed physicians. HackensackUMC was listed as the number one hospital in New Jersey in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospital rankings for 2014-15. It is one of the top 30 hospitals in the nation by receiving 11 national specialty rankings, including a national ranking for the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Neurology and Neurosurgery in the 2014-15 Best Children’s Hospitals. The children’s hospital is housed with the Donna A. Sanzari Women’s Hospital in the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Women’s and Children’s Pavilion, which was designed with The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center, and was included on the Green Guide’s list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. HackensackUMC is one of Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals™ for nine years in a row, and received the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ 13 years in a row. The medical center has also been named a Leapfrog Top Hospital, and received 23 Gold Seals of Approval™ by the Joint Commission – more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet® recognized hospital for nursing excellence; receiving its fifth consecutive designation in 2014. HackensackUMC is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls and was Official Medical Services Provider to The Barclays PGA Golf Tournament and the NY/NJ Super Bowl XLV111 Host Committee. It remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events. To learn more, visit: www.HackensackUMC.org.

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